Moira Stewart
29-03-2007, 13:35
Saturday sees one of the most pivotal games of the Coca Cola Championship run in the battle of the Hamptons as Wolverhampton and Southampton go head to head in a battle for pride, reputation and most importantly 3 points closer the promised land of the Premier League. This promises to be an entertaining affair between two of the better footballing sides but no quarter will be given in this collosal clash.
Southampton, or the Saints as they are affectionately known have stuttered in recent weeks in a season which seemed for much of it would end in glory and promotion to the Premier League, now they are in severe danger of missing out on even a play off place. Their recent run is dismal, having picked up only 1 point from four games, a run which over the course of the season would lead to relegation and severe embarrassment. Their away form is equally poor with just one win in six for the travel sick Saints.
Saints manager, the affable Jock George Burley has a talented squad at his disposal, which on paer at least looks of a Premier League quality although many have failed to deliver the performances expected of them this season. One of the stars of the Southampton squad is teenage wonderkid Gareth Bale, Bale has delivered a number of stunning performances this season and looks bound for the Premier League next season with figures as high as £12 million being touted for his signature. Another star of the Saints side is attacking midfielder Rudi Skacel, Skacel is one of the most dangerous midfielders in the division with his late runs from deep and sweet left foot which has made him an instant favourite with the Saints faithful
Southampton can also look to celebrity supporter Ted Bate for inspiration, Bate, a quirky fellow with arms longer than his legs, an uncanny likeness to Milan Mandaric and a severely deformed wrist is nonetheless a Saints legend and will be hoping the Saints aren’t defending like statues on Saturday afternoon. Another celebrity Saint is former footballer Matt Le Tissier, when Matt isn’t enjoying one of his many seson tickets feasting at the likes of Wimpey, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Chicken Cottage, Kebab Ye, Dixys Chicken, Subway, Dominos or KFC he likes nothing better than a trip to St Marys for a slap up 5 course meal and watching his beloved Southampton, (Matt will be taking a tour of the many kebab houses on Broad Street before the game for anyone who is interested in meeting this legend).
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has a selection headache at left back with first choice Jackie McNamara suspended and dependable back up Jamie Clapham struggling for fitness, it looks like forgotten man Charlie Mulgrew will take the full back slot after an impressive cameo in the reserve team fixture against Coventry in midweek. Wolves are otherwise unchanged and will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing winless week on their travels prior to the international break.
An audience of 23,000 is expected at a raucous Molineux including a noisy and boisterous following of 2,200 from the South Coast in a game which is sure to be not for the saint hearted.
Southampton, or the Saints as they are affectionately known have stuttered in recent weeks in a season which seemed for much of it would end in glory and promotion to the Premier League, now they are in severe danger of missing out on even a play off place. Their recent run is dismal, having picked up only 1 point from four games, a run which over the course of the season would lead to relegation and severe embarrassment. Their away form is equally poor with just one win in six for the travel sick Saints.
Saints manager, the affable Jock George Burley has a talented squad at his disposal, which on paer at least looks of a Premier League quality although many have failed to deliver the performances expected of them this season. One of the stars of the Southampton squad is teenage wonderkid Gareth Bale, Bale has delivered a number of stunning performances this season and looks bound for the Premier League next season with figures as high as £12 million being touted for his signature. Another star of the Saints side is attacking midfielder Rudi Skacel, Skacel is one of the most dangerous midfielders in the division with his late runs from deep and sweet left foot which has made him an instant favourite with the Saints faithful
Southampton can also look to celebrity supporter Ted Bate for inspiration, Bate, a quirky fellow with arms longer than his legs, an uncanny likeness to Milan Mandaric and a severely deformed wrist is nonetheless a Saints legend and will be hoping the Saints aren’t defending like statues on Saturday afternoon. Another celebrity Saint is former footballer Matt Le Tissier, when Matt isn’t enjoying one of his many seson tickets feasting at the likes of Wimpey, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Chicken Cottage, Kebab Ye, Dixys Chicken, Subway, Dominos or KFC he likes nothing better than a trip to St Marys for a slap up 5 course meal and watching his beloved Southampton, (Matt will be taking a tour of the many kebab houses on Broad Street before the game for anyone who is interested in meeting this legend).
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has a selection headache at left back with first choice Jackie McNamara suspended and dependable back up Jamie Clapham struggling for fitness, it looks like forgotten man Charlie Mulgrew will take the full back slot after an impressive cameo in the reserve team fixture against Coventry in midweek. Wolves are otherwise unchanged and will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing winless week on their travels prior to the international break.
An audience of 23,000 is expected at a raucous Molineux including a noisy and boisterous following of 2,200 from the South Coast in a game which is sure to be not for the saint hearted.
